In light of the Northern Beaches COVID-19 cluster and concerns about possible community transmission across NSW, NSW Health issued further advice for disability service providers.

This advice includes:

• all staff across NSW in residential facilities and providing in home support must wear a surgical mask.
• visitors to residential facilities are not permitted unless they meet one of the reasons for an exemption. These visitors must also wear a mask whilst visiting the facility.
• residents of disability supported accommodation should also defer family and community visits and outings until 23 December 2020.

These measures are in addition to the requirement to exclude visitors and staff who display symptoms or who are required to undertake a test and self isolate. Providers are reminded to regularly check the NSW Health website for new case locations, noting that locations are being updated on an ongoing basis.

NSW Health will advise the sector of any updates after the current advice is reviewed on the morning of Wednesday 23 December as they further understand the pattern of the current outbreak.

Any provider who is not receiving regular updates directly from NSW Health is encouraged to contact MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au. Providers can also contact the Ministry of Health on MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au or their public health unit on 1300 066 055 if they require any assistance in implementing these updated guidelines.

NDS is liaising with NSW Health regarding this current and any planned future advice and will keep the sector updated.

The NDIA has also issued updated advice for providers on their website. In addition to the extension of some of the temporary NDIS measures including providers being able to claim directly from the NDIA for PPE when delivering eligible supports, providers should note that the Provider workforce supply service offered via RSCA has been extended until 14 February 2021. This service can be contacted on 1800 943 115 or NDISworkforce@rcsa.com.au.

NDS members are reminded of the range of resources available on our COVID-19 hub including cost effective PPE.